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FAQ Pallet Retrieval: A Guide for Grocers

Step 1: Pallet Pickup & Initial Inspection

Q: How does 48forty handle pallet pickup scheduling?

48forty customizes service to fit customer needs. Options include:

  • Recurring pickups for high-volume customers (scheduled in PalTrax® weeks or months ahead)
  • On-demand pickups available within 24 hours of request

Whether a customer needs multiple trailer switches per day or weekly service, PalTrax keeps operations organized and predictable.

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48forty truck

Q: What happens when a driver arrives?

  1. A 48forty driver delivers a clean, empty trailer to your site for exchange. 

  2. The driver checks in with your designated contact (shipping/receiving or security). 

  3. The driver collects all required paperwork, including customer BOLs and 48forty documentation. 

  4. The driver hooks up the loaded trailer of pallets and returns it to the nearest 48forty facility for inspection and grading. 

Q: How is the initial inspection done?


At each of 48forty’s nationwide facilities, incoming loads are documented using pre-printed grade sheets tied to trailer numbers and CPR codes. Forklift drivers tally every pallet by type: GMA, odd-sized, pooled, teardown, or scrap, ensuring accuracy and consistency across the nation.
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Step 2: Sorting & Grading for Fair Pricing
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Q: Why is pallet grading important for grocers?

 
Not every pallet has the same value. A fair grading process ensures grocers are credited for:
  • GMA pallets at full value
  • Odd-sized pallets that can be repaired and reused
  • Scrap pallets are transparently reported, never hidden

Q: How does 48forty prevent revenue loss?

Some providers misclassify usable pallets as “scrap", a practice that can cost grocery retailers tens of thousands in lost credits annually. 48forty's standardized grading protects revenue at every site, from single stores to national chains.

Watch the step-by-step process.

Q: Why Does Transparency Matter in Grocery Pallet Retrievals?

For grocery retailers, the stakes are high. Misclassified or unreported pallets mean:

  • Cluttered backrooms
  • Lost pallet credits
  • Blind spots in supply chain visibility

48forty’s national scale and transparent reporting make us the partner grocers can rely on to maximize pallet value and keep operations running smoothly.

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Step 3: Transparent Reporting & Payment
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Q: How does 48forty’s transparency support grocery partners?

  • Standardized reporting across 67+ facilities in the U.S. and Canada

  • Detailed line-item documentation on every retrieval

  • Budget insights for peak season planning and annual reviews

Grocers consistently report that 48forty’s transparency makes budgeting easier and provides confidence that they’re capturing the full value of every pallet.

See real results.  

Quick Answers for Businesses

Q: How fast can pallets be retrieved?
On-demand services within 24 hours; recurring pickups scheduled in advance.

Q: How does 48forty ensure accuracy?
Pre-printed grade sheets and standardized training across all facilities.

Q: What reporting do customers receive?
Itemized reporting, historical records, and real-time PalTrax access.

Q: Is PalTrax included at an extra cost?
No, PalTrax is provided at no charge for all customers.

Learn more about PalTrax. 

 
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Let's Talk

 
Ready to uncover hidden value in your pallet returns? Connect with our team and see how transparent pallet management can boost your revenue and your confidence.